Asking for Help

Today was a marathon kind of day. These days are rare and can pack a punch.

4:15am- Wake Up Call

5am- Leela arrives. Debriefing happens. Lunches, hair, and clothes have al been made, done, and laid out. Car seat swap accomplished. Dog is fed, watered and taken out.

6:40am- Flight takes off. Hot chocolate is served. Witty banter by friendly Southwest agents ensues.

8am- Flight lands. Picked up by childhood best friend Chelyn.

8:30am- Stop for Panera! Y’all know I can’t be in a city that has a Panera and not stop in. Love it when a day starts with girl time, coffee, and pastries.

9:15- Leave for Nevada State College. Get lost. Why is there so much construction in Las Vegas and roads with two names that lead nowhere?

9:30- Make it! Check in. Let the engagement begin!

2pm- I am full. Overwhelmed by the work ahead. Inspired by students’ stories. Emboldened and armed with more policy, more stats, more creative infographics. This community of people who care, deeply, about people. We serve ALL students. Today, we advocate with our Undocumented and DACAmented, our DREAMers. Their dreams are our dreams. Our work is their work.

2:15- Mom and Karl pick me up! Our drive back to the airport is non stop chatter to catch up because you know, we haven’t talked since yesterday ;-) I love my momma. I love Karl. I love the people they are and have become as a result of being together and loving one another. Plans are made for December when I will return, work beckons and two brilliant girls will join me on the next trip.

2:30pm- Meanwhile back home, Cassidy goes home with friends. Laughter and playtime carry on to a birthday party.

3pm- Hello airport. Long time no see. What is that? You say the flight is delayed? That’s cool. Extra 30 minutes allows for Matt and I to have dinner together. The steaming aroma of wonton soup from Pei Wei mixes with the flavorful garlic of Little Italy. Matt has found a quiet restaurant away from the conference, somewhere in Baltimore to decompress after a long day of sessions and it just so happens my delay overlaps with his me-time. You wouldn’t know it, but the man is an introvert. We re-connect  on phones that still have some charge left, talking over one another to share the details of what we’ve been up to all day.

4:15pm- Flight is ready! Homebound. Amicable and friendly chap to my left. Arrogant potty mouthed guy who takes up all the arm rest to my right. Mr. Left and I have a grand time, laughing at the flight staff  comedy show, enjoying peanuts and pretzels.

5:25pm- Flight lands. I call daycare to let them know I. Am. Coming!  Made dash through the airport, speeding through the parking garage, hit the freeway with meditation and mantra….please God no accidents, please God, no delays, please God don't let me late and they call CPS!

5:58pm- Sail into daycare with two minutes to go. Helllooo Savvy! “Momma, why am I the last one today?” Deep, penetrating, painful, breath stealing Mom guilt turns my vision bleary. Teacher Nikki says, “Savvy, we saved the best for last!” Crisis averted. Mom guilt out the door. Once again, TMCC Childcare staff shows why they are the best. 

6:17pm- Arrive at birthday party. Sit and breathe. They still have pizza and cake pops!! Yes! Dinner is on. Followed up with a side of good conversation with other mom friends.

7pm- Headed home.

7:30pm- Home. Hiya Biscuit, who’s a good dog? Thank you for not repeating last night! (Last night, every bodily fluid possible from every body part possible had coated the floors, couch, and windows- poor baby!) 

Popcorn is made, pajamas are found, movie night is on. Because it’s Friday Family movie night.

8pm- Movie night is still going, and we are cuddled up on the couch. Their eyes are glued to Kung Fu Panda 3, my eyes are glued to my laptop as I process the day. And as much as I am loving hugging my babies, I am really looking forward to bedtime in T minus 42 minutes when I can finish off the last of the wine.

I am not superwoman. This was not a typical day. What it was, was a testament to the power of asking for help. There is an unwritten promise that the help I received today from my people, friends and family and friends who are family, will be returned and shared and spread when it is needed, but more importantly there is a warm feeling of gratitude and thankfulness for being part of a community that takes care of each other. I am glad I asked for help. Asking for help does not make you weak. Today I asked for help because I know I can't do it all alone. My asking for help allowed me to focus on students asking for help. See that? Cue the circle of life music. Not the piece at the beginning, but at the end after all the battles and Scar has been defeated. The happy ending. 

Today had a happy ending.